Removal Of Controversial Heritage Redwood Tree Approved At City Council In This Marin County Town

NOVATO, CA — The City Council voted to uphold the Community Development Director's decision allowing for the removal of a heritage redwood tree from a private property at the Tuesday meeting in Novato.

The heritage redwood, estimated to be over 70 years old and affectionately dubbed “the survivor” by neighbors on Parkwood Drive, became the center of a legal and ethical battle at the meeting.

Homeowners applied for removal citing serious root intrusion that had damaged patios and threatened their home’s foundation, as well as the tree’s proximity to power lines.

Neighbors argued the tree’s health and its role as the neighborhood’s last major canopy warranted further study and protection.

David Ayala, with Novato’s Planning Division, presented that the removal was originally approved because the tree met nuisance criteria outlined in city code, mostly due to “documented damage to property improvements.”

“A subsequent arborist’s report further supports approval of the permit,” Ayala said.”The tree is a potential hazard to individuals and existing structures.”

Paul Cohen, attorney for the property owners, argued, there is no obligation on the part of the property owners to maintain a tree that is considered both a nuisance and a hazard.

“Even a healthy tree can be a threat to people and property,” Cohen said.

Independent arborist Robert Rivera, whose assessment played a role in the decision, acknowledged the tree’s health but underlined its risk.

“While I did write it is in good health, I don’t think that it’s the most healthy redwood I’ve looked at,” Rivera said. “There are concerns about its stability and the damage it’s causing.”

Despite calls from at least one councilmember to mandate a replacement tree and to commission city-hired independent arborists in future removals, the council ultimately approved the removal without these added requirements.